From Ride Hack to Dream Job
My Unexpected Journey into Disney Travel Planning
We were standing in front of the castle at Disneyland in February 2020.
The tingle-inducing announcement that the park was open started and normally people would do this crazy Disneyland power walk in the direction of the ride they were starting with.
But that day something weirdly different happened.
NO ONE moved.
We called it the moment of silence –
a gasp of bated breath as people frantically got into their Disneyland app to secure spot in the virtual queue for what was then the newest ride at Disneyland: Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. Instead of needing to wait hours in line, you could enjoy your day until your boarding group number was called via a notification.
Cheers erupted around us as people got in. Because I had watched several tutorials, I ended up getting group number one!
This all went down in under 1 minute.
Seeing the Storm Troopers in front of the Imax screen for the first time gave me serious chills!
By the end of our first ride, I had tears in my eyes.
Rise is the most technologically advanced and incredible ride Disney has ever created. It has 3 different ride systems, full on Imax screens, and a completely immersive story.
I couldn’t wait for my Disneyland loving friends to experience it, too. It didn’t matter if they were Star Wars fans or not, the ride is freaking incredible.
Just 5 weeks later, the global pandemic came along, and Disneyland ended up closing for over a year.
When it reopened in 2021, I knew dozens of people headed to the Happiest Place on Earth.
Since the virtual queue system was brand new and I knew how to use it with wild success, I went full on nerd.
I created a master class with slideshow to help my friends get their boarding group numbers.
Everyone who came or watched the replay got on the ride, which was amazing because people were missing out.
Just knowing that they were going to have a great time lit me up and made me wonder, “Is there a way to monetize this? Is there a way that I could have this much fun and make a little bit of money?”
The answer to that was yes! by becoming a certified Disney Travel Planner.
It’s a legit thing that requires specialized training and passing annual exams.
So thrilled to have passed all my exams in July 2021!
If you're wondering about the monetizing, this post from Luke Majewski at AIC Hotels does a beautiful job of explaining how it works:
“I think a lot of people misunderstand what travel agents do.
Yes, they quote and book vacations. Yes, they make personalized itineraries and plans for you. Yes, this costs you NOTHING extra over booking it yourself.
What they don’t do is get paid if you don’t book with them.
They are not paid an hourly wage. They are only compensated on trips they book, and only after you return home from traveling usually by the partnering hotels, destinations, or ships. So that [Disney] vacation or cruise…that you book on your own - they could have booked it for the same price or sometimes cheaper but you would have helped them build their business. AT NO COST TO YOU.
Booking with a travel agent is a win-win! We have learned since COVID things come up, pre travel and during travel support is more important than ever in an ever changing landscape.
Memories are an investment, make them count!
The cost of their services is already included in the cost you pay, whether you use an agent or not. Essentially you are paying for a service you are not receiving if you book on your own.
Please consider always using a Travel Agent for your vacations.
Ready to experience the magic of Disney without the stress of planning? I've got your back!
Comment "Yes, please!" I'll reach out with some pixie-dusted planning tips.
Love,
Cathy
Cathy Weiss is a huge Disney fan and Elite Agent representing her host agency’s top 1% specializing in trips to Disneyland, Disney World, and Aulani - a Disney resort in Hawaii. She has the expert answers you need for a truly magical vacation.
Planning and booking your Disney trip with her is EASY…so you have the BEST time!
Whether you’re booking your first Disney vacation or 100th, having Cathy on your side as your personal go-to - especially as new informaiton and exciting announcements come out all the time - means you’ll have an unforgettable experience! Get started today.